Federal Union Calls for Pay Parity in Response to OMB

WASHINGTON – In response to the Office of Management and Budget’s announced 1.9 percent pay increase for federal workers in 2018, American Federation of Government Employees National President J. David Cox Sr. issued the following statement:

“After seven years of pay freezes and minuscule increases that have left federal workers worse off than they were to start the decade, it’s good to see a modest boost in pay. But it isn’t enough.

“Federal working people make 6.5 percent less today than they did in 2010, and that is unjust. They need and deserve more. And while the 1.9 percent increase does not make up for years of earning less, it will certainly help employees put food on the table, pay their bills, reduce their debts, and cover everyday costs facing working-class America.

“In the years after the Great Recession, no other group sacrificed more for the American public than federal employees. They have given up more than $182 billion in wages and benefits – totaling $91,000 per career civil servant. That’s why we at AFGE call on the Administration to offer pay parity equal to the military by offering public servants a 2.1 percent increase next year.

“It’s not going to make up for the losses these hard-working men and women have already endured, but it is a start.

“At a time when federal workers are front and center in disaster relief in Texas, it’s vital for the American public to recognize their dedication and work. And it’s beyond time for them to be fairly compensated for the jobs they do.

“For years we have called for fair pay for civil servants, and will continue to press the Administration and Congress to take care of those who helped pull us out of the Great Recession. Today is a nice first step, but much more must be done.”

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The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is the largest federal employee union, representing 700,000 workers in the federal government and the government of the District of Columbia.